‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’ Recap – ‘Episode 3: Paradise Lost’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.
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If there is one unfortunate lesson about life that no one ever enjoys learning or facing… it would have to be that tough times will find us when we least expect it, and it makes sense as to why no one likes this lesson. After all, we always hope for good times to be maintained and no one enjoys strife in the slightest. But alas, a touch of chaos and a touch of heartache are part of how the universe operates and what is quite incredible, is that this tough lesson is also extended to the natural world, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty. For ‘Episode 3: Paradise Lost’ saw moments of struggle and strife come about for the Whiskers clan, shortly after they discovered peace and prosperity.

Because the rains of the Kalahari brought about a great deal of bountiful food for the Whiskers family, and that in turn brought them happiness as well, since they now had a wonderfully safe environment to live in to go alongside that plentiful food and well, it didn't take long for their peaceful times to be interrupted by moments of strife. Because for a brief moment, Swift forgot to exercise caution when she was taking the time to explore the new home she selected for her growing family and in doing so… she had an unfortunate run in with venomous snake. The kind that ended with a bite and an injury for dearest Swift. Which in turn left the family in a dark and worrisome place.

For this is how Flower met her end ages ago and seeing another one of their own be injured in this manner, was tough to process for both the family and the viewer. Especially since both were helpless to do anything but watch Swift suffer and hope that she could in fact, pull through her injuries. But while we will need to wait a bit to see what will become to Swift, we can reflect upon the fact that this sorrowful twist did hammer home the fact that the universe will indeed surprise any living creature at any given moment with tough times and all we can hope for now, is that little Swift doesn’t suffer the same fate as Flower once did. However, while that unfortunate surprise did indeed bring about some tough and tearful moments in this tale, there were some bright spots to be found as well.

Because sometimes, the curveballs that the universe sends our way can become quite the positive, something that the Hakuna Matata Clan took the time to remind us of. Because while they tried to unsuccessfully settle into their new burrow, another clan, led by the fang-toothed Daisy, opted to commandeer Flint’s old digs. Something that would have been of no concern, save for the fact that Flint wanted it back, since the rains made those once barren fields full of food once again. Which brought about quite the fascinating showdown between Team Hakuna Matata and Team Ubuntu, one that saw Flint offer up some wonderful strategy in order to re-claim her territory and bring about a touch of peace and happiness for her growing family. 

How long that will last however, has yet to be seen. Since Daisy and the Ubuntu Tribe really did have their hearts set on that lovely plot of land to grow as well and it will be quite interesting to see just how long she and her clan steer clear of Flint and her premium real estate. But while we wait to see what comes next, we can definitely reflect upon the power of one harrowing episode and truth be told, Caroline Hawkins and Hayley Smith and everyone at Oxford Scientific Films deserves our thanks for providing us with an honest and earnest look at our natural world and the world of the meerkat. And, now that this chapter has come to a close, it is safe to say we will all be counting down the minutes until next Saturday’s episode. Since we are all eager to learn Swift’s fate. Until next time.

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